The Glutinous Florida Gators

Florida filled a huge position of need last week, since, you know, Florida has no speedy skill position players.

In a classic case of the rich getting richer, Urban Meyer has landed two game-breaking wide receiver prospects. Omarius Hines (Corsicana, TX) and Frankie Hammond Jr. (Hallandale, FL) both committed to the Gators last week.

How they rank:

Omarius Hines
Rivals: #21 wide receiver
Scout: #41 wide receiver
ESPN: #30 wide receiver

Frankie Hammond Jr
Rivals: #26 wide receiver
Scout: #68 wide receiver
ESPN: #27 wide receiver

Ranking in the 20's or 30's in this year's wide receiver class is much different than it would normally be. The 2008 wide receiver class might be the deepest, best and tallest group of pass catchers...ever. Both of these kids are underrated and both are big play threats down the field.

Omarius Hines is a 6-1, 185 lb star. After an incredibly productive junior season (62 rec. 1282 yds 23 tds), Hines has been a highly sought after young talent for a while. Hines is great at battling with physical corners using superior body positioning skills to give his quarterback a solid target to throw to. This illustrates strong route running acumen even though his technique needs some work as he shows a slight lack of fluidity in and out of breaks. Hines has strong ball skills going up and snagging passes out of the air at their highest point.

He will need to work on going over the middle and working underneath coverage as his vertical game is his strength. Learning how to settle within holes in the zone is something that can be taught relatively easily. He does not have blazing speed but plays faster than this combine times.

Frankie Hammond Jr. is a much lesser know prospect. After playing in a run oriented system his junior year where he caught seven passes, he flourished in a pro-style pass attack his senior year (47-890-12).

Hammond (5-11, 150) is an absolute burner. This kid will not get caught from behind. When he gets to the edge he is gone, period. He was also a member of Team USA Youth Track Championship team as one of the best high-jumpers in his state. He has decent hands and good ball tracking skills. He also is an incredibly dangerous return man.

At 150 pounds, however, he has some issues. He is not nearly as physical as Hines and Hammond's ability to go over the middle is a major question. He has the mentality but linebackers/safeties will break him in half. He has to put on weight.

Other than size, Frankie Hammond Jr is considered a super sleeper. The hidden gem has crazy speed and tons of upside. Hines is much more polished and physical.

Two great pick-ups for the Gators as these two kids really show just how deep this WR class really is.

The Gators also receive a verbal commitment from defensive tackle Bryan Jones.